THE FIRST ever degree apprentices at Leeds Trinity are being welcomed into the university this week.

The 15 apprentices, who are employees of Leeds Teaching Hospitals, will be studying for a degree apprenticeship in Chartered Management.

The three-to-four-year course combines university study with work-based learning. Jobs include nurses, pharmacists, and human resources and estate managers. They will study for the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship and will graduate with a degree at the end of the programme.

Sean Wood, Business Manager at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "It’s a great opportunity and chance to develop my management skills and understand all aspects of day to day business. It will enable me to reach my full potential as a manager and deliver a gold standard service for my team and the general public.”

Jayne Collingwood, senior organisational development facilitator from Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said: "LTHT are pleased to collaborate with Leeds Trinity University to provide our staff with the opportunity to develop in areas of management and leadership, and to equip them with the skills needed to address the challenges of working in a modern NHS environment."

Helen Wright, apprenticeships manager at Leeds Trinity University, said: "Leeds Trinity University is delighted to offer the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. This apprenticeship, and the many others we are currently developing, will create new opportunities for people from all backgrounds, including those currently under-represented in higher education.

"For our management apprentices starting this week, the apprenticeship is a great opportunity to develop professionally, combining work-based learning with study to progress their careers. I’m looking forward to working with them and any other organisations who are interested in this exciting opportunity."

The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at Leeds Trinity University is open to all businesses and employers wanting to develop their employees and take advantage of the apprenticeships funding levy. Places are available on the next course, which will start in January 2018.

Leeds Trinity is part of The Professional Skills Partnership, a collaboration between the Horsforth-based university, Barnsley College, Bradford College and the University of Leeds, to develop education, skills and training packages to meet the needs of employers.